Advocacy - Becoming More Effective

As the largest single group of health professionals (3.1 million), registered nurses not only have the ability to be an incredible force by sheer numbers, but policy makers also rely upon nurses' expertise. For more than a decade nurses outrank all other professions in Gallup's annual honesty and ethics survey and are viewed as the most trusted profession.

We in government do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate. (Thomas Jefferson)

ANA is committed to growing nurses' political leadership skills, formally (the American Nurses Advocacy Institute) and informally (resources and tools). Upon completion, each Fellow is to be available to counsel the SNA in establishing legislative / regulatory priorities, recommend strategies for execution of the advancement of a policy issue, and educate colleagues about the political realities. It is also assumed the Fellow will assist in advancing ANA's agenda.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) created the American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) is a prestigious year-long mentored program for the purpose of developing nurses into political leaders while expanding the grassroots capacity for the nursing profession and health care. To be considered for endorsement by a state nurses association, the nurse must be a full member (ANA and a state nurses association (SNA). Upon completion, each ANAI Fellow is equipped to advise the SNA in establishment of legislative / regulatory priorities, recommend strategies for execution of the advancement of a policy issue, and educate members about the political realities as well as assist in advancing nursing's agenda.

Government Affairs Program Assessment(ideal for association leadership)
This tool examines components of the structure and functions of a government affairs program, including legislative / policy committee, political action committee & political activities, lobbyist, and grassroots activities. [members only]